That would be great Clive,thank you! I'm just trying to figure out how to message as I'm new to this! Thanks again!

I believe that when you have made three forum posts it is then you are enabled to send Personal Messages.

Nursall ~ BuckinghamshireAvies ~ Norwich

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My Grandfather also served with 42nd rtr, he was with the MEF and went through North Africa and North West Europe. Before joining the 42nd rtr he also served with an AA TA regiment before the war. I know that the 42nd rtr was retrained before D-Day with specialised tanks.They joined General Hobart and the 79th Armoured Division (Hobarts Funnies). Some sqns were given CDL tanks later on before the crossing of the Rhine. These were tanks with searchlights on the turret which were turned on at angles across the the Rhine so the Germans were unable to see the boats in the water approaching. They were in Matilda's and M3 Lee Grants in Africa. They were also given Matilda Scorpions for mine clearing during the battle of El Alamein. My Grandfather was SGT Victor "Tiger" Maytum, he was in C squadron whilst in Africa. My Nan has some photos of him and group photos in Africa in front of the pyramids.

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My Father, Trooper Cecil Edward Hellings, was with the 42RTR,posted to North Africa 7th June 1941We have a photo of him with 7 other soldiers (3 on Camels and 5 on horse back) with Sphinx and Great Pyramid in the background. He was sent back to Bovington on compassionate leave 31st March1942. We are trying to find out which Squadron he was in so that we can track his progress in Africa.

Hi Ann and welcome to the 42 RTR family! 42RTR sailed in SS Aronda from the Clyde on 26 April, arriving at Suez via the Cape on 13 June. It sounds as if Trooper Hellings was aboard. To find out more about the regiment's activities I would strongly recommend seeking a copy of the war diary for the period you are interested in. Contributor Drew5233 has a copy I know because he provided me with a copy for the period of my interest which includes yours. You might also apply for Trooper Hellings' army records which can be procured from MoD at a price. As to his squadron I am unaware of any available records. Soldiers were moved about and although the war diary is quite specific about the activities of the Officers the other ranks were just numbers. My Father was originally trained with 'C' squadron but, although I cannot know for sure, I believe he was fighting with 'B' squadron at the time of his capture on 1 June 1942. Individual tanks were transferred between squadrons to even up numbers after action losses. Your only hope is likely to be in having contact with anyone who served with him and I fear there are now few if any living survivors of the regiment. I do have a photograph of 'C' squadron taken at Warlingham in 1940 and when you qualify to use the personal message system if you send me an email address I will forward a copy. That gives you a 33% chance if you could identify him but, as I say he may not have remained with 'C' squadron even if he started there. By the way I would love to see your photograph if you could upload it.Best wishes

Thank you for your interesting info ... we would like to exchange photos but would need your email address as can then upload photograph to Iphone and send. This is our first time on chat line and are unsure of how it works at the moment. Regards Ann

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